Vallone to propose capping, not barring, City Council members' outside income

Vallone to propose capping, not barring, City Council members' outside income

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New York City Councilman Paul Vallone plans to propose an amendment on the Council floor that would allow members to supplement their income with outside work paying up to 15 percent of their annual Council salary, according to a memo from his office.

An existing legislative package scheduled for a Friday vote, which includes a 32 percent salary increase for City Council members, would bar most forms of outside income, except for a few exceptions such as teaching a class.

In the memo from Vallone’s office obtained by City & State, the lawmaker argues that the current proposal would allow unlimited outside income in certain professions but none from others. He suggests it would be more equitable to cap all outside earnings at 15 percent of a Council member’s annual salary. His note references a statement from the Citizens Union good government group saying eliminating all outside income for term-limited offices is not advisable because it could deter qualified candidates, but a cap would be prudent.

“I am writing to inform you that a motion will be made at tomorrow's Stated Meeting to amend this legislation so that a 15 percent cap on all outside income can be considered,” the memo read. “I have enclosed a copy of each amended version for your convenience, please share with your Council Member. Both a local law and resolution must be amended for a 15% cap to be considered. Council Member Vallone urges your Council Member to support true good government reform and take this amendment into consideration and vote yes this Friday.”

Vallone, who earns money from his family’s law firm, did not respond to requests for comment.

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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As founder and research director of the Empire Center for Public Policy, E.J. McMahon is a go-to expert on budget plans and policy proposals. His organization promotes greater transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility in state government, which often puts him at odds with lawmakers and the governor. McMahon previously worked as a journalist in Albany, as an Assembly Republican staffer and a budget adviser for almost 30 years, giving him great insight into the goings-on in the Capitol.